Where to eat in Kyoto: Jo Jo Izakaya

“Irashaimase!” they called out in unison as soon as they spotted us at the door. We were led to a low table, chairs sans the legs with tatami mats underneath. We took off our shoes as we are supposed to. We chose to order from the menu in Japanese over the English version. Kiang, our Korean server, helped us decide on the meal. She spoke a little English, and we ordered almost all of what she proposed, even the sake.

We are in an “izakaya” after all – a type of Japanese drinking establishment that serve food and as Wikipedia puts it: the name izakaya is a compound word consisting of “I” (to stay) and “sakaya” (sake shop), indicating that izakaya began from sake shops that allow customers to sit and drink on the premise. So how can you not have sake, right?

The sake, fruity and refreshing, paired well with the meal, which I must say is quite excellent – the Agedashi Tofu winning hands down.

Jo Jo is within walking distance to the JR Kyoto Station, so if you find yourself in the area, do drop by and see if Kiang is still around to help you. We owe this wonderful meal to her.